DeRo got blocked out ALL of last year, and it did limit his effectiveness, and yet Dynamo did win the title on a shot by him. He’s a pro. He can handle it. But that leads to the other questions. Davis looked fine, apparently, against the Wiz as did Mulls. So once they’re fit and playing every game, then we’ll get a true test there. The same is true for Holden as well.

Right now the key is getting everybody back safe and sound before several depart for Beijing and Wembley/Spain this summer. Is this good news or bad: If Ching continues to miss wide-open looks, he may not get the call-up this summer. Personally, I think it’s good news.

Fair point on the defense – and I think that can be fixed – but what about the offense? What happens if Ching doesn’t sharpen up? What if teams continue to block out DeRosario? When will David heal? Will Mullan come back all the way?

I’m not trying to make you nervous, so much as I’m wondering if something didn’t change with these guys. Something subtle, but very real.

I think the main thing — and I posted on this over at Nutmegged just a few minutes ago — Dynamo has had a problem with that they can do something about is communication on defense. Clearly, the ERob/Boswell pairing in the back is not going all that well. And getting Tony Caig to stay in his damn goal (I read he wandered out front and made two great saves in the KC game, highlights of which I cannot see), cool down and work with his defense would be nice as well until SuperCanuck comes back. Solve that problem, and suddenly these questions all fall away.

So, yeah, it could be simple fatigue. But it also looks like it might be something more…spiritual fatigue, perhaps?

Dynamo are suffering from the same malady at this time last year, CCC fatigue, not to mention just plain jet lag. Dude, they just played seven meaningful games in three countries in 31 days, only three of which were at home. That’s an average of one game every 4.428571 days (according to my handy-dandy calculator thingy), which you can do over a span of three or four games, but not seven! Dynamo over that time has gone 1(the first of the seven by the way!)-2-4, which is actually a pretty stout mark over that span, while fighting a host of key injuries (Onstad, Robinson, Holden, Davis, Mullan). So would I like a better record? Sure. But am I worried about Dynamo? No. This week off before taking on the Gals in LA (another road game! Dynamo don’t return home until May 3.) is going to be a sweet salve indeed.